Menopause is the permanent end of menstrual periods, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. Most women experience hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disruption. Current treatments include hormone therapy, newer non-hormonal medications like fezolinetant, and medications originally approved for other conditions that help specific symptoms.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing neurokinin receptor antagonists that target the brain pathways causing hot flashes, new forms of hormone therapy with different safety profiles, and medications for genitourinary symptoms. Researchers are also studying treatments for menopause-related bone loss, cognitive changes, and cardiovascular risk that rises after menopause.
Neurokinin receptor antagonists
Fezolinetant was FDA-approved in 2023 for hot flashes and works on brain temperature regulation rather than hormones. Additional drugs in this class are being tested, offering options for women who can't or won't take hormones.
Estetrol combinations
A newer form of estrogen combined with a progestin is being studied for hormone therapy. Early data suggest it may have a different effect on blood clot risk compared to traditional hormone therapy.
Genitourinary treatments
New vaginal medications and oral drugs are being tested for vaginal dryness, pain with sex, and urinary symptoms. Some approaches aim to restore vaginal tissue without systemic hormone exposure.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on menopause status (perimenopausal or postmenopausal), symptom severity, time since last period, and whether certain health conditions rule out hormone therapy.
What types of trials are currently open
- Hot flash trials — Testing new medications, often pills taken once daily, to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats.
- Hormone therapy trials — Studies of new hormone formulations, doses, or delivery methods (patches, gels, pills) aiming for symptom relief with improved safety profiles.
- Genitourinary trials — Testing treatments for vaginal dryness, pain during sex, and urinary symptoms, including vaginal medications and oral drugs.
- Bone health trials — Studies of medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis that accelerates after menopause.
- Observational studies — Following women through menopause to understand symptom patterns, cardiovascular changes, and long-term health outcomes.
Recently added Menopause trials
Hop Extract Versus Soy Isoflavone Extract for Menopausal Symptoms (HOPES)
HOPES (Hops On Psychological and Estrogenic Symptoms in Menopause) is a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled nutritional intervention study in 120 peri- and postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. For 12 weeks, participants take one capsule per day of either a full spectrum hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extract or a soy isoflavone extract. Both products are marketed dietary supplements, and there is no placebo arm. The main question is whether the hop extract, which combines prenylated flavonoids with bitter acids, improves the psychological symptoms of menopause (depressive mood, irritability, anxiety, and physical and mental exhaustion) more than the soy extract. The main outcome is the change in the psychological subscale of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes include the other MRS domains, anxiety, depressive symptoms, menopause-related quality of life, body composition, and safety.
Evaluation of the Effect of a Nutraceutical Supplement on Hair Growth and Hair Quality in Premenopausal and Menopausal Women
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an orally administered gel formulation in up to 60 participants who meet the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will receive either the investigational nutraceutical supplement or a matching placebo daily for 6 months. The primary objective is to quantitatively evaluate the effect of the nutraceutical supplement, compared with placebo, on hair growth in premenopausal and menopausal women using the phototrichogram method.
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